Singer Featherweight 221 - How to Remove the Internal Capacitor

[@carolineroy9026]

Very useful video and good tip on the temporary fix to the damages wires. Thank you.

[@ShiftingSands57]

This is nice easy to follow video, I managed to remove the capacitor, put the bits back together again and it all went very well.

[@laydeep1740]

Thanks, was always curious of the capacitor on the underbed of my 221. Have 2 of these machines only a year apart in manufacture, one has the capacitor and one doesn’t, couldn’t understand why. Always something new to learn, only difference apart from this was one has a switch for the light on the fitting and other is separate on the bed of the machine Will be taking a closer look next time I get them out, strangely don’t know why but I always preferred one machine over the other. Love your channel and knowledge!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I wonder if they were made in different factories.

[@christineharris8111]

It was very easy to follow the video and dialogue. I've successfully removed the capacitor in the machine. Thank you

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm glad you found my video useful!

[@raraavis7782]

Interesting stuff. It's so much fun, learning to understand these old machines.

[@jennievpollard77]

Another great video. After watching this episode, I removed the drip tray and discovered that the capacitor had been removed. Apparently, it was removed by the owner of my local sewing machine shop. This was indeed good news.🙂🙂

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Not all Featherweights had the internal capacitors, they were more common in UK machines.

[@swadipavasey3606]

Thanks again. Removing the capacitor went very smoothly with the aid of your video, and now working fine again. Think I may have to be looking at a rewiring job before long though. I guess the shrink wrap is a short term fix. Once again, very grateful for your videos

[@markofashion1790]

I had known about this. Old capacitor AC current. In American sewing machine don't have it. First time got a 222K Singer featherweight from UK have the two capacitors on the foot paddle and one on the motor too I removed it they get dry out can cause short. Thank you for sharing your video. Have a good day.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I think the locations of the capacitors varied from machine to machine. I've seen much earlier machines with them underneath as well.

[@natty258]

Thank you! Perfect timing as always 🤗🤗

[@swadipavasey3606]

Hello again. Now embarking - with the help of your video - on removing the capacitor in the base of the machine. Started to melt down and caused my wife a fright. I think I will be able to follow the instructions - very clear as usual, but I see that in my mum's machine there is no insulating plate or cover over the electrical connections. Is it possible to get hold of replacements these days?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Yes. You should be able to get any parts you need. Good luck!

[@Duckster183]

I too am missing this cover plate. What is the part number I should be searching for? I actually am missing it on both my black 221 and my white 221k. Excellent video. New subscriber now!

[@nian60]

Interesting. Thanks for the video.

[@jenniferclifford4669]

Thanks that was a great help. My 221K started smoking last night and on looking behind the receptacle on the machine i could see the wires were in really bad shape. I'm trying to pull the motor apart but can only find one screw, do you think the second screw might be behind the solder that attaches the green capacitor onto the motor. I can only find videos that deal with the American version and they didnt have a capacitor so not much help for those off us dealing with the British versions. Many thanks.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

There is only one screw holding the motor on. The green wire that goes to the motor may be causing you to not be able to remove the motor

[@Braisin-Raisin]

I have another question: I am going nuts trying to find the right electric cord for the Singer Featherweights. I had finally found 2-core x 1 mm2 that measured an outside diameter of 6.4 mm which worked for the machines but when I ordered the same iutem again, it was 7.5 mm outside diameter which was too bulky. Now I am really stuck - I just cannot find anything suitable here in Germany. I could only find 2 x 0.75 mm2 which I felt was too small. Do you have an further information that could help me here? Happy New Year!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I'm sorry i can't at the moment. I recently bought some cord to rewire a featherweight - I'll find it and let you know what it was. Happy New Year!

[@Braisin-Raisin]

Awesome video - I really like your clear instructions! I have one problem: I have a number of Featherweights I collected over the years and the foot cotrol always has to be overhauled completely, plus the electric cord changed. There are 2 wire rings that are at each end of the plug, holding them together (apart from the screws). I have a hell of a time getting those over the "hump" (removing them is easier). I hold the underside in place against the edge of the table and try to pull the top part over the lumpy bit using a screwdriver shaft sideways. I am female and have very small hands - it is horrible to do. Do you have any better idea?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Unfortunately I don't. This is a common subject on the Singer groups and your method has been the only answer I have seen. I suspect Singer had a special tool for putting the rings on. If anyone can suggest another way, please let us know.

[@Braisin-Raisin]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you. I shall put my thinking cap on to come up with something. Have a happy year 2022 (without Corona, Delta, Omicron!!!!)

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

So there is one on the pedal and one inside the machine? Both doing the same job? Redundancy? Are other models like this as well? Am I asking too many questions? Lol

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

No, it’s either or. Some were in the pedal, some in the machine, some had none at all. I have seen small boxes with capacitors in under the motors of Singer 99s and capacitors that looked like two sticks of dynamite on the backs of Singer 201s!

[@vaccavo]

It needs no replacement?!?!?!!?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

no - they were used to stop interference with old analogue TVs

[@ianbutler1983]

I remember my mom had an uncanny ability to switch on the vacuum cleaner just when the good part of my television show cam on. You daren't say anything though, or else you would end up running the vacuum.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

It was the same at our house!